What happened on September 11 compels us to focus on who we are as Americans, what we stand for, what really matters in our lives - family, friends, faith and freedom.

Many have left their families to defend our freedom. We salute their bravery; we express our appreciation and support to their families. And we pray for their safe return.

We must ensure our system of higher education offers world-class quality for a world-class economy.

We stand strong together - as Americans - many cultures, races and faiths, but one nation under God.

If we are to create tomorrow's jobs, we can't remain frozen in time in yesterday's tax system.

Whether we knew many who died on September 11 or personally knew none, we all lost something on that day. Innocence. Security. A trust that our homeland would always be safe.

We live in a land like no other - a land of freedom and opportunity unparalleled on the face of the globe.

Let us seize the special opportunity that is ours to act boldly and decisively at a time when the eyes of our fellow citizens, both present and future, are upon us.

In this global economy, no jobs are safe. High-speed Internet connections and low-cost, skilled labor overseas are an explosive combination.

We will never forget the passengers of Flight 93, who courageously confronted the terrorists, defeating another planned attack on America. They are the heroes for our times.

A dynamic economy begins with a good education.

There is no such thing as ‘too insane’ unless others turn up dead due to your actions.

The issue is not abortion. The issue is whether women can make up their own mind instead of some right-wing pastor, some right-wing politician telling them what to do.

The town is silent. The night boils with eleven stars. Oh starry starry night! This is how I want to die.

Perhaps it's my natural pessimism, but it seems that an awfully large part of travel these days is to see things while you still can.

There is not anti-semitism as an ideology. The civilized world must think that anti-semitism is stupid.

Education lays hold of what is best in a person, but character lays hold of what is worse. It takes hold of a failing and by very skillful manipulation and training turns it into a perfection.

The No. 1 cause of preventable death for young black men is not auto accidents or accidental drowning, but homicide.

An event is not over until everyone is tired of talking about it.

Allah(God) is the greatest friend.

It is a little known fact that much like birds, who can always find north, knitters can always find yarn.